Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure Linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Intro to the Walgreens Acetaminophen Lawsuit

Walgreens, and other manufacturers, are facing several lawsuits for its generic acetaminophen products.

These products are available over-the-counter in every Walgreens pharmacy but contain risks that the company has not warned pregnant women of.

In particular, Walgreens has failed to include ASD and ADHD-related risks on the warning labels of its generic acetaminophen.

By failing to provide the necessary warnings, Walgreens has rendered itself potentially liable for placing mothers and their children at an increased risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Research Linking Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy to Autism Spectrum Disorders

Many studies have suggested that there is a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and the incidence of developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

In 2019, the National Institutes of Health funded a significant study that examined the connection between ASD and ADHD in children exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy.

The researchers collected almost 1,000 umbilical cord samples from delivered children to detect the presence of acetaminophen.

Over the course of eight years, the researchers conducted regular follow-ups on the children to assess the impact of high acetaminophen exposure.

They found that nearly 30% of the children had developed ADHD.

This study raises concerns and questions about the safety of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and its potential consequences for the neurological development of children.

If you believe your child may have been affected by this issue, reach out now.

Taking legal action may help you seek compensation for any damages caused and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Overview of the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit

Since 2022, a growing number of Tylenol lawsuits have been filed against generic acetaminophen manufacturers and distributors by mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These companies are facing legal action for putting children at risk for developing ASD and ADHD due to prenatal exposure to their products.

The Basis for the Tylenol Autism Lawsuits

The basis for potential liability lies in two key factors.

Firstly, these companies are accused of failing to provide sufficient warnings about the ASD and ADHD-related risks associated with their generic acetaminophen products.

Consequently, users were not adequately informed about the potential dangers.

Secondly, the absence of warnings might suggest that the companies may have been unaware of the risks or knew about them but chose to distribute their acetaminophen products regardless, putting the public at risk.

What is the Tylenol Autism MDL?

The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit is ongoing as countless parents file claims against Walgreens and other companies.

However, more victims are coming forward, prompting the courts to expedite the Tylenol litigation.

To address the growing number of lawsuits effectively, new Tylenol autism cases were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) known as the “Acetaminophen – ASD-ADHD Products Liability Litigation.”

This MDL was filed on October 5, 2022, in the Southern District of New York Court under the oversight and review of Tylenol autism MDL judge Judge Denise Cote.

There is NOT a Tylenol Autism Class Action Lawsuit.

MDL and class action lawsuits are distinct from one another.

The Defendants in the Tylenol Autism MDL: Generic Acetaminophen Makers and Distributors

In the MDL, several companies are the defendants.

These companies include:

• Walgreens
• CVS
• Walmart
• Rite-Aid
• Safeway
• Costco
• Target
• Johnson & Johnson
• Other manufacturers of generic acetaminophen products

As the legal proceedings in the Tylenol class action lawsuit and MDL continue, more companies might join the list as additional at-fault parties.

If you or someone you know has been affected, there is still time to take action.

Our experienced personal injury and product liability attorneys are actively reviewing and investigating potential legal claims against the implicated companies.

Your rights deserve protection, and we are here to support you throughout the acetaminophen autism lawsuit process.

Latest Developments on the Tylenol Lawsuit and Tylenol Autism MDL

Several of the defendants have filed a motion to dismiss the claims made against their generic acetaminophen.

One of these defendants was Johnson and Johnson.

According to the company, there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that its acetaminophen causes children to develop autism spectrum disorder in utero.

Tylenol MDL Judge Denise Cote has denied these motions to dismiss, and the lawsuit has been moving forward.

Despite the denials of motion to dismiss, there remains a low number of Tylenol Autism Lawsuits consolidated into the MDL.

This is due to Tylenol Attorneys waiting to file claims in the MDL until it is absolutely clear how the Tylenol Autism MDL Judge rules on the admissibility of causation evidence.

Our lawyers are still reviewing Tylenol Autism Lawsuits, and TorHoerman Law will stay updated on the latest developments of the Tylenol lawsuit and MDL.

In the meantime, you can contact us for more information about your options if your child developed ADHD or ASD after you took acetaminophen during pregnancy.

Is There Any Research on Taking Acetaminophen During Pregnancy and a Child's Risk of Autism or ADHD?

A growing body of scientific literature points to how prenatal acetaminophen exposure affects fetal brain development and a child’s risk of developing ASD or ADHD.

In 2019, the National Institutes of Health funded a significant study that shed light on the possible connection between ASD and ADHD in children and their prenatal exposure to acetaminophen.

The researchers delved into this topic by examining almost 1,000 umbilical cord samples from newborns, looking for traces of acetaminophen.

To gauge the impact of high acetaminophen exposure, the researchers kept a close eye on these children, conducting regular follow-ups as they grew older.

The results after an eight-year period were eye-opening.

Almost 30% of the children in the study had developed ADHD.

This finding adds weight to the ongoing discussions about the potential effects of prenatal acetaminophen exposure and its association with neurodevelopmental disorders.

This isn’t the only study that suggested the link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorders.

In 2021, an epidemiological study highlighted the effects of acetaminophen on fetal brain development and the predisposition to developmental disorders.

Based on the study, acetaminophen exposure increased risk of developmental disorders by 25%.

This means that the risk of a child developing a developmental disorder increases by 25% if the mother took acetaminophen during pregnancy.

In that same year, a 2021 meta-analysis echoed similar findings.

The meta-analysis reviewed several studies on acetaminophen and ASD and ADHD and found an increased risk of ASD and ADHD in children who were exposed to acetaminophen while in the womb.

The meta-analysis also found that the incidence of ADHD and ASD was higher among young boys.

How acetaminophen increases a child’s risk of developing autism or ADHD is unclear.

However, one 2022 study suggests that acetaminophen predisposes a child to neurodevelopmental disorders because of how the drug affects maternal hormones and the child’s gut microbiota.

Acetaminophen’s hormonal and gut biome effects can compound to create oxidative stress in the infant in utero.

Over time, these effects may impact fetal brain development, particularly those responsible for regulating mood and language recognition.

Do You Qualify for a Tylenol Autism Claim?

If you believe that your child’s autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is due to acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy, you may qualify to file a Tylenol Autism claim.

However, there are other considerations to take into account when filing acetaminophen lawsuits.

Some of the eligibility factors you must consider if you want to file a Tylenol autism or ADHD lawsuit include:

• Child’s exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy
• A child’s documented autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or ADHD diagnosis

Once your eligibility to join the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit is confirmed, your Tylenol Autism Lawyers will begin gathering evidence and assessing your damages.

Gathering Evidence for Tylenol Autism Lawsuits

Evidence is extremely important in product liability lawsuits.

Your Tylenol Lawyers will help you gather and retain evidence, but this is a step of the legal process you can begin on your own.

Potential evidence in a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records
• Diagnosis records for your child
• Doctor’s notes about the use of Tylenol or Acetaminophen products during pregnancy
• Receipts of purchase for Tylenol or acetaminophen products
• Records from your child’s therapist or psychiatrist
• Other evidence proving use of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and subsequent autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or ADHD diagnosis

Assessing Damages for Tylenol Autism Lawsuits

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy.

Your Tylenol Attorneys can help you assess and calculate the total amount of damages applicable in your Tylenol Autism Lawsuit.

Potential damages in a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit may include:

• Medical costs and bills
• Therapy costs
• Costs associated with special treatment and caregiver support
• Pain and suffering, mental health effects
• Lost wages or income
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability

TorHoerman Law: Your Tylenol Autism Lawyers

The Tylenol Autism Lawsuit is ongoing and our attorneys are assessing potential clients’ eligibility to join the litigation.

Tylenol usage by pregnant women has been identified as potentially contributing to autism spectrum disorder diagnoses in children, according to several scientific studies.

If you used Tylenol or acetaminophen products during pregnancy and your child was subsequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other developmental disorders, you may be eligible to file a Tylenol Autism Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Tylenol autism lawsuit instantly.

Our Tylenol Autism Lawyers are here to help you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

We understand what you are going through, and we are here if you’d like to share your story and learn about your legal options.

Reach out to our Tylenol Lawyers today and find out how we can help you seek justice.